Protesters face eviction as judge agrees campsite cannot be justified

After a five-day hearing held before Christmas, Mr Justice Lindblom granted orders for possession and injunctions against Occupy London.

The corporation said there was an “overwhelming” case for the court’s intervention because of the impact on the area of the camp, which has been in place since October 15, and the risk that it would continue indefinitely.

Before Christmas, counsel David Forsdick said the City was not seeking to prevent lawful and peaceful protest or lawful assembly in the general location, but the right to protest enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights did not justify a semi-permanent campsite on the public highway – particularly in a location like St Paul’s Churchyard.

The limited interference with the protesters’ rights, involved in the removal of the tents was justified and proportionate, given the rights and freedoms of others.

He told the judge – who made a private visit to the site –that the camp had acted as a magnet for disorder and crime in the area, impacted on worshippers, affected trade, and caused waste and hygiene problems.

Lawyers for the protesters argued that the case raised an issue of “extreme public importance” and that freedom of expression was a liberty which must be jealously guarded by the courts.

The camp did not prevent worship at St Paul’s, and any impact it did have on those visiting, walking through or working in the vicinity was not solely detrimental.